Hello! Later today, we will be updating the Debate.org website as mentioned here: http://www.debate.org.... I wanted to further explain the minimum character count to arguments in the Opinions section.

We are looking to set the minimum at 50 words in an effort to increase substance and thoughtful additions to the discussion while also discouraging users from submitting spammy, irrelevant content; however, we wanted to get your feedback regarding this threshold.

Is 50 words too much? Too little?

Furthermore, it is worth noting that we will be moderating user posts based on the terms of service. Please make sure to review if you haven't done so already (http://www.debate.org...)

I don't think a minimum is neccesary. The whole purpose of this is mainly to voice how you feel about a subject, and maybe that position can be justified with very few words. I don't see a minimum as neccesary, as there aren't a whole lot of people here who won't voice their opinion with large justifications.

The only update I suggest is allowing people to comment and discuss within the opinions page. :)

One thing I would like to see, would be an easier platform for mobile users. Maybe a DDO App or something like that (though I doubt it would make too much money, you could make money off of advertising or something).

At 9/18/2012 12:25:53 PM, TUF wrote:I don't think a minimum is neccesary. The whole purpose of this is mainly to voice how you feel about a subject, and maybe that position can be justified with very few words. I don't see a minimum as neccesary, as there aren't a whole lot of people here who won't voice their opinion with large justifications.

The only update I suggest is allowing people to comment and discuss within the opinions page. :)

At 9/18/2012 11:23:23 AM, SObszanski wrote:Hello! Later today, we will be updating the Debate.org website as mentioned here: http://www.debate.org.... I wanted to further explain the minimum character count to arguments in the Opinions section.

We are looking to set the minimum at 50 words in an effort to increase substance and thoughtful additions to the discussion while also discouraging users from submitting spammy, irrelevant content; however, we wanted to get your feedback regarding this threshold.

Is 50 words too much? Too little?

I don't see anyone objecting to this measure. This will not pose any problem for legitimate users.

Not sure how effective it is going to be though. 50 words is not going to be a problem for spammers either. Still there is no harm in adding this constrain.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that we will be moderating user posts based on the terms of service. Please make sure to review if you haven't done so already (http://www.debate.org...)

Thank you!Suzanne

The Holy Quran 29:19-20

See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.

Say: "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.

At 9/18/2012 11:23:23 AM, SObszanski wrote:Hello! Later today, we will be updating the Debate.org website as mentioned here: http://www.debate.org.... I wanted to further explain the minimum character count to arguments in the Opinions section.

We are looking to set the minimum at 50 words in an effort to increase substance and thoughtful additions to the discussion while also discouraging users from submitting spammy, irrelevant content; however, we wanted to get your feedback regarding this threshold.

Is 50 words too much? Too little?

Furthermore, it is worth noting that we will be moderating user posts based on the terms of service. Please make sure to review if you haven't done so already (http://www.debate.org...)

Thank you!Suzanne

What about debates and RDFs? Half of all votes have to be done in the comments.

"Well, that gives whole new meaning to my assassination. If I was going to die anyway, perhaps I should leave the Bolsheviks' descendants some Christmas cookies instead of breaking their dishes and vodka bottles in their sleep." -Tsar Nicholas II (YYW)

At 9/18/2012 11:23:23 AM, SObszanski wrote:Hello! Later today, we will be updating the Debate.org website as mentioned here: http://www.debate.org.... I wanted to further explain the minimum character count to arguments in the Opinions section.

We are looking to set the minimum at 50 words in an effort to increase substance and thoughtful additions to the discussion while also discouraging users from submitting spammy, irrelevant content; however, we wanted to get your feedback regarding this threshold.

Is 50 words too much? Too little?

Furthermore, it is worth noting that we will be moderating user posts based on the terms of service. Please make sure to review if you haven't done so already (http://www.debate.org...)

Thank you!Suzanne

What about debates and RFDs? Half of all votes have to be done in the comments.

Fixed.

"Well, that gives whole new meaning to my assassination. If I was going to die anyway, perhaps I should leave the Bolsheviks' descendants some Christmas cookies instead of breaking their dishes and vodka bottles in their sleep." -Tsar Nicholas II (YYW)

At 9/18/2012 11:23:23 AM, SObszanski wrote:Hello! Later today, we will be updating the Debate.org website as mentioned here: http://www.debate.org.... I wanted to further explain the minimum character count to arguments in the Opinions section.

We are looking to set the minimum at 50 words in an effort to increase substance and thoughtful additions to the discussion while also discouraging users from submitting spammy, irrelevant content; however, we wanted to get your feedback regarding this threshold.

Is 50 words too much? Too little?

Furthermore, it is worth noting that we will be moderating user posts based on the terms of service. Please make sure to review if you haven't done so already (http://www.debate.org...)

I wanted to update you on the word count and moderation of submitted "Opinion" arguments.

As previously stated, we went ahead and implemented the 50-word minimum. We are now under a one-week "review period" for this requirement, during which arguments are being moderated according to our Terms of Service (http://debate.org...). We have been removing "spam" as well as inappropriate language.

While our intention with this minimum word requirement is to encourage more eloquent and thoughtful responses, we are still trying to gauge if it is really doing the trick. So far, we are seeing mixed results. Many users are simply filling up the extra space with "why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid," etc.

How have you felt about the requirement so far? Have you been using the "Opinions" section less because of it? Do you think we should go back to no minimum at all? What are the pros and cons for you, as users, in relation to how you would like the "Opinions" section to function on the site?

As previously stated, a final decision will be made on whether or not to keep this minimum after the one-week review period is over.

Any ideas, comments, or suggestions you have regarding this topic are continuously needed and appreciated.

I wanted to update you on the word count and moderation of submitted "Opinion" arguments.

As previously stated, we went ahead and implemented the 50-word minimum. We are now under a one-week "review period" for this requirement, during which arguments are being moderated according to our Terms of Service (http://debate.org...). We have been removing "spam" as well as inappropriate language.

While our intention with this minimum word requirement is to encourage more eloquent and thoughtful responses, we are still trying to gauge if it is really doing the trick. So far, we are seeing mixed results. Many users are simply filling up the extra space with "why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid," etc.

How have you felt about the requirement so far? Have you been using the "Opinions" section less because of it? Do you think we should go back to no minimum at all? What are the pros and cons for you, as users, in relation to how you would like the "Opinions" section to function on the site?

As previously stated, a final decision will be made on whether or not to keep this minimum after the one-week review period is over.

Any ideas, comments, or suggestions you have regarding this topic are continuously needed and appreciated.

I don't like the minimum. I would say it definitely decreases my activity on the opinions. I never realized how long 50 words was :/

'When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.' - John 16:13

I wanted to update you on the word count and moderation of submitted "Opinion" arguments.

As previously stated, we went ahead and implemented the 50-word minimum. We are now under a one-week "review period" for this requirement, during which arguments are being moderated according to our Terms of Service (http://debate.org...). We have been removing "spam" as well as inappropriate language.

While our intention with this minimum word requirement is to encourage more eloquent and thoughtful responses, we are still trying to gauge if it is really doing the trick. So far, we are seeing mixed results. Many users are simply filling up the extra space with "why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid why do i have to use 50 words this is stupid," etc.

I wouldnt worry about it. If someone spams words just to make their argument then it shows how little they know about the issue and how much we should take their arguments seriously. I still stand by the 50 word limit

How have you felt about the requirement so far? Have you been using the "Opinions" section less because of it? Do you think we should go back to no minimum at all? What are the pros and cons for you, as users, in relation to how you would like the "Opinions" section to function on the site?

As previously stated, a final decision will be made on whether or not to keep this minimum after the one-week review period is over.

Any ideas, comments, or suggestions you have regarding this topic are continuously needed and appreciated.

Kevin24018 : "He's just so mean it makes me want to ball up my fists and stamp on the ground"
Geogeer: "Nobody is dumb enough to become my protege."

At 9/24/2012 3:14:24 PM, OberHerr wrote:Yeah, the 50 words minimum is too long for some of the topics were I just don't have that much too say. I would say maybe 25 words, or lower. Or characters, as opposed to words.